W. Thomas Smith Jr. takes a look at the political decisions that led to Pace being replaced:
Pace’s not being renominated has nothing to do with his performance as chairman of the JCS. It has everything to do with what he symbolizes (American leadership while fighting a difficult war in Iraq) to the usual salivating suspects on Capitol Hill. And it was clear to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and surely to President Bush, that Pace’s reconfirmation hearings would have been turned into a congressional circus: With poll-driven politicians focusing less on Pace’s performance and plans for the present and future prosecution of the war, and more on what has gone wrong in Iraq for the purposes of “show” and heaping blame, regardless of whether or not it is deserved, on any symbol of the Bush White House.
Pace is such a symbol. So he’s out. In his place, Gates has tapped Admiral Mike Mullen, also a Naval Academy grad (Class of ’68) and a Navy surface-warfare commander currently serving as Chief of Naval Operations.
Mullen too is a good man, and brave indeed to accept the nomination knowing the scrutiny he’ll have to undergo.
Elaine Donnelly sees a liberal agenda, in the form of Hillary Clinton, at work:
I have no inside information, but I see the fingerprints of SASC member Sen. Hillary Clinton all over this. To win in 2008, the New York Democrat and feminist must convince voters that she supports the troops and can be trusted as Commander in Chief. A vote on the re-nomination of Chairman Pace would have put her on the spot between her gay activist constituency and millions of voters who admire Peter Pace.
Sen. Clinton has a way of getting senior men of both parties to do her work for her. Pre-emptive removal of Gen. Pace excuses candidate Clinton of the responsibility to vote for or against re-confirmation. As a bonus, Hillary and other feminist senators get to vote for a liberal admiral, CNO Mike Mullen, an ardent advocate of “diversity” quotas and other controversial goals for the military.
Elaine’s take seems a bit harsh. I guess time will tell. At least previous comments by Admiral Mullen on the nature of this war are encouraging:
In his opening remarks, Mullen, a Vietnam War veteran, told Pearl Harbor sailors: “I honestly believe this is the most dangerous time in my life.
“The enemy now is basically evil and fundamentally hates everything we are — the democratic principles for which we stand … This war is going to go on for a long time. It’s a generational war.”
Video: Peter Coffin’s UFO Project
A very cool art/tech project via Wired: Dubbed Peter Coffin’s UFO Project, the 23-foot aluminum saucer incorporates 3,000 LED nodes controlled by a solid-state computer, according to Harris, head of...
We have always been supporters of traditional values while placing our personal relationship with God before all things.
I believe in mankind’s ability to get past differences, rising above systems that disappoint us rather then allow ourselves to tear down our brothers and sisters just because we feel pain for their failure, which is when we all need help, and hope not wrath most of all.
Soundness of mind and farsightedness which transcends the veil of men/women who feel the need to harm American by using political issues to gain support from other like minded shortsighted political and public figures serve men not god.
Everyone with the motive to do good for American has a place in protecting our country with honor, exclusive of no one.
There can be peace or war but neither will be found while fighting amongst ourselves over laws concerning morality.
The personal relationship between straight / adulterates /gays or any other person designated sex offender in America with God: is what they take with them to offer along with their sacrifices, and sins.
We only pray this senseless destruction within America stops.
We will never be ashamed of the fact we are human and make mistakes while in the flesh.
It’s our job.
Without contrast, there can be no adjustment and we are not on earth without a reason.
So I’m thankful others can see through faction in our government which allows discrimination only to weaken this country of flesh and blood of free men and women willing to spill that blood for freedom of all, to build all up within it, for love of God country and all mankind.
Respectfully
Keith R Radford Jr